Throughout the history of the United States, immigrants and minorities banded with each other to produce their own unique style of theatre. American Ethnic Theatre sought to bring a sense of community to those who did not necessarily fall into the mainstream culture of America. The primary rise of this type of theatre was due to the fact that immigrants and minorities needed help while becoming accustomed to the new country. The 18th Century saw a rise ethnic theatre. America's purchase of the Louisiana Territory introduced French Theatre, and the victory over Mexico in the Mexican-American war brought about "Mexican- American (or Chicano) theatre" just to name a two (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Yet, like most theatre "immigrant theatre faced significant problems" on the inside (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). The theatres needed the assistance of their communities. Thus, the theatre themselves became places of social activity. Kids grew up exposed to the culture of their people, and young adults would often find their partners in the theatre walls. Mobile theatre companies also brought ethnic theatre to people all over rural America. The theatre "supported the educational, charitable, and political causes important to their communities" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Some communities would put their own spin on classics, like The Jewish King Lear by Jacob Gordin. Often times the theatres would equip "wit and irony" in order to help newcomers to America understand their situation (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Eventually ethnic theatre would hit a low point due to restrictive immigration enforced by the American government in the 1920s, but it was again saw a rise after World War II. The influx of Asian-Americans, along with African- and Native-Americans already in the US, sparked "'Third World' theatre activity across the nation" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). The theatres became a place to "move beyond stereotypical roles usually assigned [to minorities] in mainstream entertainment" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). American Ethnic Theatre was a place and style that allowed minorities and immigrants to unite together in shared culture. It has become an important part of modern American society due to the recents efforts of Americans to be more openminded and open armed.
Summary of Ethnic Theatre in the USA
Throughout the history of the United States, immigrants and minorities banded with each other to produce their own unique style of theatre. American Ethnic Theatre sought to bring a sense of community to those who did not necessarily fall into the mainstream culture of America. The primary rise of this type of theatre was due to the fact that immigrants and minorities needed help while becoming accustomed to the new country. The 18th Century saw a rise ethnic theatre. America's purchase of the Louisiana Territory introduced French Theatre, and the victory over Mexico in the Mexican-American war brought about "Mexican- American (or Chicano) theatre" just to name a two (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Yet, like most theatre "immigrant theatre faced significant problems" on the inside (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). The theatres needed the assistance of their communities. Thus, the theatre themselves became places of social activity. Kids grew up exposed to the culture of their people, and young adults would often find their partners in the theatre walls. Mobile theatre companies also brought ethnic theatre to people all over rural America. The theatre "supported the educational, charitable, and political causes important to their communities" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Some communities would put their own spin on classics, like The Jewish King Lear by Jacob Gordin. Often times the theatres would equip "wit and irony" in order to help newcomers to America understand their situation (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). Eventually ethnic theatre would hit a low point due to restrictive immigration enforced by the American government in the 1920s, but it was again saw a rise after World War II. The influx of Asian-Americans, along with African- and Native-Americans already in the US, sparked "'Third World' theatre activity across the nation" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). The theatres became a place to "move beyond stereotypical roles usually assigned [to minorities] in mainstream entertainment" (Cambridge Guide to American Theatre). American Ethnic Theatre was a place and style that allowed minorities and immigrants to unite together in shared culture. It has become an important part of modern American society due to the recents efforts of Americans to be more openminded and open armed.